As I look back on my journey through the world of community management, I can't help but smile at how it all started - in the late '90s, in the virtual realms of IRC. Back then, the internet was a different place, and the concept of online communities was still in its infancy. It was in this world that I built my very first online community between 1997 and 1998, a vibrant Italian community of trivia fans.
Our humble IRC channel quickly grew into a thriving community of 5000 passionate fans. Beyond the chit-chat, I spent my days organizing daily events and quizzes that brought us all together. It was during this time that the thought first crossed my mind: "OMG, I want to do this for a living!"
Little did I know that in Italy, back then, the concept of community management as a career was still in its infancy, and the market wasn't quite ready for it.
Fast-forward to the mid-2000s, when my love for online communities led me to a game called Ogame. I became a volunteer moderator for their forums and even took on the role of a game master, overseeing player interactions in the game. Those were some of the most enjoyable years of my life, and the idea that "this should be my job" persisted.
Then, in late 2009, fate intervened in the form of a German company that contacted me. They had an exciting opportunity as an Italian Community Manager, but there was a catch – I needed to relocate to Germany. At 32 years old, I faced a pivotal decision: take the leap of faith or continue with the familiar in Italy. I chose to embark on this life-changing adventure, leaving everything behind and moving to Germany to pursue my dream career in community management.
Over the past decade, I've continued to learn and adapt to the evolving landscape of online communities. I've delved into the intricacies of forums and forum communities, navigated the ever-changing landscapes of social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, and continued to grow alongside the field itself.
In the past ten years, community management has evolved into an indispensable aspect of the digital world. People crave connections, and communities offer them a sense of belonging in an increasingly fragmented online environment.
As I reflect on my journey, I can't help but look ahead with excitement. The ever-advancing AI technology promises to bring even more innovation and opportunities to the field of community management. I can't wait to see how these advancements will reshape our work and help us better connect people in this increasingly digital world.
In conclusion, my journey from IRC trivia fans to a career in community management has been a remarkable one. It's my testament to the power of passion, determination, and the belief that sometimes, you need to take a leap of faith to pursue your dreams. I'm grateful for the path I've chosen, and I'm eager to continue exploring the ever-expanding horizons of community management in the years to come.
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